Moon ExactlyPhase 3 of 8
First Quarter Moon
The Moon is one quarter of the way through its cycle and half of its Earth-facing disk appears lit.
First Quarter
Visualization uses the common Northern Hemisphere orientation. The illuminated side may appear rotated or reversed from other latitudes.
Astronomical definition
The Moon is one quarter of the way through its cycle and half of its Earth-facing disk appears lit. Phase categories are conventional ranges within a continuous change; the exact quarter and principal phases are mathematical instants.
How to observe it
It is prominent from afternoon into the first half of the night. Shadows along the terminator reveal strong crater relief.
Where it sits in the cycle
The First Quarter occurs at roughly day 7. It follows the Waxing Crescent and leads toward the Waxing Gibbous. A complete New-Moon-to-New-Moon cycle averages 29.53 days, so broad stages last several days, but not for identical durations.
Traditional and spiritual meaning
In astrology and some spiritual traditions, the First Quarter is often associated with decision, action, and meeting resistance. These interpretations are matters of belief and cultural practice, not scientifically demonstrated lunar effects.
What happens next?
Illumination continues to decrease as the Moon approaches the Waxing Gibbous. The lit side always faces the Sun even as its orientation changes with location and viewing angle.
Questions, answered
Frequently asked questions
How illuminated is a First Quarter?
about 50%. The value changes continuously except at the exact event.
How long does the First Quarter last?
Phase labels divide a roughly 29.53-day cycle. Intermediate labels usually span about 3.7 days, but orbital speed varies.
What comes after the First Quarter?
The next named stage is the Waxing Gibbous.